Second-round draft pick Ra'Shede Hageman is a very big reason Atlanta may no longer rely on four-man fronts in its base defense.

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The 6-foot-6, 318-pound Hageman played nose tackle at Minnesota and was drafted as a defensive end. That's a strong signal there will be an increased emphasis on a 3-4 scheme. Players who look like offensive tackles don't often play defensive end in four-man fronts.

Following Friday's first session of the three-day rookie minicamp, Hageman gave an even stronger signal of the changes when he casually said "We play a 3-4."

Whatever the scheme, the Falcons need to improve a pass rush that produced the league's third-fewest sacks last season.